Divorce is a life-altering decision that affects not just the couple involved, but also the children and extended families. In Singapore, where the stability of the family unit is highly valued, divorce is approached with care and sensitivity. One of the most significant developments in this area is the introduction of the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme (CPP), designed specifically to address the impact of divorce on children. But how does this programme affect the way divorces are conducted in Singapore, and how is it helping parents navigate the challenges of separation?
What Is the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme?
Introduced in 2016, the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme is an initiative aimed at divorcing couples with children under the age of 21. The programme is part of a series of reforms by Singapore’s Family Justice Courts to make divorce less adversarial and, more importantly, to safeguard the emotional well-being of children caught in the middle of parental separation.
The CPP consists of two main components: an e-learning module and a mandatory face-to-face consultation with a trained counsellor or mediator.
An online e-learning course with tools to help you understand your marriage, co-parenting, and your children’s needs (The duration of the course is approximately 1.5 hours).
After the e-learning, you’ll need to book a consultation, either alone or with your spouse, within six months. This session with a counsellor from a family support agency will take around 1 hour.
These sessions are designed to educate parents on the emotional and psychological impact divorce can have on their children, while also providing them with practical strategies for co-parenting post-divorce.
Completing the CPP is a prerequisite for filing a contested divorce application in the Family Courts for any couple with minor children. This means that parents must engage in the programme and take it seriously before they are legally allowed to proceed with their divorce.
Prioritizing the Well-Being of Children
One of the central pillars of the CPP is the focus on the children’s well-being during and after the divorce. It’s easy for couples to get caught up in the emotional and legal tussle that often accompanies separation, but the CPP acts as a reminder that children are often the most vulnerable during this time. Through the programme, parents are encouraged to prioritize their children’s needs over their personal conflicts.
Singapore’s legal system reflects this emphasis on child welfare by requiring divorcing parents to reach decisions on several child-related issues: custody (who makes the major decisions for the child), care and control (which parent the child lives with on a day-to-day basis), and access (when the other parent gets to see the child). The CPP helps parents focus on these important matters and equips them with the tools to communicate better, fostering cooperation even after the marital relationship has ended.
CPP’s Role in the Legal Process
The CPP has added an additional layer of responsibility to the legal process of divorce. In Singapore, divorce can only be granted if the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This can be proven through facts such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or mutual consent. But when minor children are involved, the courts are particularly stringent in ensuring that the divorce is handled in a way that protects the interests of the children.
Before filing for divorce, parents must first complete the CPP. The programme encourages parents to think carefully about their future co-parenting responsibilities, which includes discussing and negotiating care arrangements, maintenance, and financial support. While the divorce process itself remains intact, the inclusion of the CPP means that parents are better equipped to handle the practical realities of co-parenting before they even step into a courtroom.
The introduction of this requirement means that many couples approach the divorce process more thoughtfully, with more awareness of the complications divorce may have on their children and to learn more about the coping strategies. By requiring parents to think about the long-term effects of their separation on their children, the CPP helps prevent unnecessary conflict and encourages early resolution of disputes related to child custody and support.
Emotional Preparedness for Co-Parenting
Divorce is often accompanied by feelings of anger, guilt, and sadness. These emotions can complicate negotiations over child custody and access. The CPP plays a crucial role in addressing these emotional challenges by providing parents with the emotional tools they need to navigate the complexities of co-parenting.
The programme’s counselling sessions are designed to help parents come to terms with their own feelings while also emphasizing the importance of shielding their children from the negative impact of the divorce. This guidance is especially important in high-conflict divorces, where the risk of children becoming pawns in parental disputes is high.
By offering support in managing their emotions, the CPP helps parents focus on their new roles as co-parents rather than ex-spouses. The programme encourages divorcing couples to adopt a child-centric approach, which can significantly reduce the long-term emotional damage experienced by children.
Practical Impact on Divorce Outcomes
The practical impact of the CPP on the divorce process can be seen in both simplified and contested divorce cases. In cases where couples reach an agreement on divorce and ancillary matters like child custody and financial support, the CPP provides a useful framework to guide negotiations. Parents who have completed the programme are often better prepared to discuss difficult topics like who will care for the children, how much financial support is needed, and how they will share parenting duties moving forward.
For couples who cannot agree, the CPP still provides valuable insights. The knowledge and emotional tools gained from the programme can help divorcing couples manage their conflicts in mediation or court proceedings. Even when disagreements remain, parents are at least equipped with a better understanding of their responsibilities as co-parents.
Real-Life Example: A Co-Parenting Success Story
Consider the experience of a couple who were married for 15 years before deciding to part ways. They had two daughters, aged 8 and 12, and the prospect of navigating a divorce seemed overwhelming. Both parents were deeply concerned about how the separation would affect their children.
When they enrolled in the CPP, they gained more than just practical advice. The programme helped them shift their focus from marital grievances to their children’s future. They learned to communicate more effectively, allowing them to focus more on critical issues like care and control, as well as financial support and reach agreement on these matters, without protracted disputes.
Through the CPP, they realized they could still be good parents even if they were no longer good partners. This understanding reduced the stress on their children, who were able to maintain healthy relationships with both parents after the divorce. Their experience highlights how the CPP can turn a potentially difficult situation into one where both parents cooperate for the benefit of their children.
Addressing Common Misconceptions About the CPP
Despite its benefits, there are common misconceptions about the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme. Some divorcing parents may initially view it as just another bureaucratic hurdle, or worse, as a judgment on their ability to parent. However, the programme is not meant to assess parental competence. Instead, it aims to offer support during what can be a deeply challenging time.
Another misconception is that the CPP only benefits the children, with little relevance for the parents. In reality, many parents who complete the programme report that it gave them valuable tools for managing their own emotions and conflicts. This can make the entire divorce process more bearable, reducing stress for both parents and children alike.
The Long-Term Impact of the CPP
The long-term benefits of the CPP extend far beyond the immediate divorce process. By fostering healthier communication and encouraging cooperation between parents, the programme helps create a more stable family environment after divorce. Research has shown that children fare better emotionally and academically when their parents are able to cooperate post-divorce. The CPP promotes this type of environment by giving parents the tools they need to work together despite their separation.
In a society like Singapore, where the importance of family is deeply ingrained, the CPP also sends a clear message about the responsibilities that come with parenthood. It reinforces the idea that while marriages may end, the obligation to care for and support one’s children does not.
Conclusion: The CPP as a Guiding Force in Divorce
The Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme is playing a crucial role in shaping how divorces involving children are handled in Singapore. By ensuring that divorcing parents complete the programme before filing for divorce, the Family Justice Courts are prioritizing the well-being of children and promoting more amicable resolutions between parents.
For couples considering divorce, the CPP is an opportunity to gain valuable insights into co-parenting. Whether a divorce is amicable or contentious, the programme equips parents with the tools they need to navigate their new roles effectively. If you’re contemplating divorce and want to know how the CPP can assist you, or if you’re ready to move forward, reach out to us today. We can help guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that your children’s needs are always at the forefront.
